'Funding of €9 million has been announced by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphrey, for this year's Arts and Culture Capital Scheme.

'Arts and cultural centres across Wexford can now apply for funding under the scheme and I encourage them to do so,' he said in a statement.

Minister Kehoe said At this initial stage, groups can apply for the funding under two streams, the deadline for which is September 16.

Stream 1 will offer grants from €20,000 up to €300,000 and is aimed at refurbishment and upgrade of facilities.

A total of €4 million is available under this Stream nationally.

Stream 2 will offer grants from €300,000 up to €2 million for larger enhancement/expansion/refurbishment projects, involving construction works to arts and culture facilities. Funding of €4.5 million is available under this particular Stream.

'The remaining €500,000 will be released under a third Stream at a later stage, and will involve grants of up to €20,000 to community/voluntary groups for community-based projects.